Tim Ahlman shares lessons from his sabbatical, why leadership rhythms matter, and how local churches and institutions can build trust together for the future of the LCMS. He also talks deeply and personally about what it was like to be silenced on his own podcast, how it feels to be misunderstood, and what he said to LCMS President Matthew Harrison. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.
Today’s episode is brought to you by our partner Child Beyond International.
Thanks to this week’s sponsor: Child Beyond International (CBI), a ministry dear to my heart. Based in Guatemala, CBI transforms the lives of orphaned, abandoned, and abused children by offering a Christ-centered new beginning. A dedicated team of caregivers, doctors, and social workers provides round-the-clock care, faith lessons, and prayer. Children are later reunited with safe relatives or adopted into loving Guatemalan families, with ongoing support beyond their time at CBI.
For only $40 a month, you can help change a child’s life. Because of the intensive care, it takes 20 people to fully sponsor one child. This season, we’re using our podcast platform for good—we want Season 9 to sponsor a child through Red Letter Living. Could you be one of the 20? Visit www.childbeyond.org/rll. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than receive—this is a chance to experience that joy.
Resources mentioned in the episode
“Every day is a gift. My primary vocation is husband and father. No one else can be the husband to Alexa or the father to my three kids.” – Tim Ahlman
“Sabbatical wasn’t about me recovering from burnout. It was about preventing it.” – Tim Ahlman
“The church doesn’t need me. It wants me, I’m called here, but this is the Lord’s church.” – Tim Ahlman
“The healthiest leaders I know are the most emotionally attuned leaders I know.” – Tim Ahlman
“We all want more people to hear the gospel. We all want well-educated pastors. We all want to maintain our Lutheran distinctives. Let’s start there.” – Tim Ahlman
“Boundary breakers and distinction keepers—we desperately need one another in the church.” – Tim Ahlman
“We must move from institutional protection to local innovation.” – Tim Ahlman
“If you have an idol of certainty or an idol of control in leadership, watch out. Those idols are going to get crushed.” – Tim Ahlman
“I’m done with using fear to motivate people toward faithfulness.” – Tim Ahlman
Disciple one and be discipled by one. Find a Timothy you can pour into, and a Paul who can pour into you.
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